Appointment of Transport Strategy Advisor to the National Smart Ticketing Advisory Board

Scottish Ministers are looking to appoint a Transport Strategy Advisor to the National Smart Ticketing Advisory Board. We value the benefits of having different experience and points of view on our boards and we are keen that people from all walks of life apply for public appointments. Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications from women, disabled people, LGBT+ people, and people from ethnic minority communities.

The National Smart Ticketing Advisory Board (NSTAB) is a product of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 and will be a pioneering board comprising different modes, transport authorities, users, and experts to advise Scottish Ministers on the future of smart ticketing. The Board advises on a national technological standard for smart ticketing, to be used in ticketing schemes and to help improve the interoperability of smart ticketing in Scotland, setting the foundation for better integration. It also advises Scottish Ministers on the strategic direction for smart ticketing to improve passenger’s experience and help boost use of sustainable public transport modes. NSTAB is sponsored by Transport Scotland. Transport Scotland are also responsible for supplying secretariat services to the group.

The Board member will represent their sector on NSTAB, with member’s views considered the views of the sector. Members should also promote effective NSTAB collaboration, and support progress to achieving NSTAB’s objectives. Board members should be able to demonstrate a strong network of sector relationships and trust. This role will advise the Board on broader transport strategy and provide an insight of how smart ticketing can contribute to wider transport objectives and delivery in Scotland. This is a non-voting role.

The responsibilities include:

• Attending meetings of NSTAB.
• Working with the chairperson and other members of the board to contribute to the determination of smart, integrated ticketing and payment policy and strategy.
• Fairly and considerately representing your respective sector on the Board, whilst also acting in a non-partisan way for the good of NSTAB and its objectives.
• Contributing to, and developing when required, reports and advice as requested by the chairperson.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of NSTAB’s objectives, including the consideration of papers for NSTAB meetings.
• Agree and adhere to the agreed framework between the Board and Scottish Ministers.
• Supporting, when required as advised by the chairperson, with secretariat duties should Transport Scotland secretariat be unable to provide function on an ad-hoc basis.
• With agreement, potential to be nominated by the chairperson as a workstream lead to deliver specific workstreams relevant to the effective delivery of NSTAB’s objectives.
• Participating in working groups to support NSTAB’s objectives as necessary.

The essential criteria for the position are:

• Strategic knowledge and insight of how smart ticketing can contribute to wider transport objectives and delivery in Scotland.
• The ability to represent the Scottish transport strategy sector, with strong sector leadership and representation.
• Decision making in the context of longer term planning / seeing the bigger picture.
• Working cooperatively with constructive and supportive challenge.

We are seeking to appoint one role to commence in October 2026. The board is expected to meet around 4-6 times per year. Members are expected to commit up to 10-15 days per year to the role.

Membership is voluntary, although NSTAB board members are entitled to request an ex-gratia payment of £194.00 per day. It is expected that members sitting on NSTAB will claim compensation for their time from the organisation they are representing if applicable. The appointments are non-pensionable.

The appointments are for three years and will take effect from the date of appointment. Reappointment is not automatic and is subject to performance and the individual continuing to satisfy the requirements of the role. Applicants for public appointments must be legally entitled to work in the UK.

An Application Pack with full details can be found here. In order for your application to be considered you must click on the Apply Now on the advert and complete the contact information, Application Questions, including the four essential criteria you must answer, and upload a CV as attachment. Please refer to the Application Pack under section 10 for the appropriate word count and more information on how to answer the essential criteria.

Please also note you do not have the option to edit your application once you click ‘submit’. You must have all your information and attachments to hand before submitting your application. Diversity and inclusion data is collected as part of the application form but please note, the NSTAB team may contact you directly once you apply with a separate document for you to complete. If you have any questions about this role please contact NSTAB@transport.gov.scot. The closing date is 23.55 pm on Wednesday August 2026.

Further information about the online application process is attached Public Appointments - Frequently Asked Questions. General information about public appointments and guidance to help you improve your applications is attached www.gov.scot/collections/public-appointments. Accessibility to public appointments is a fundamental requirement and the public appointments process promotes, demonstrates, and upholds equality of opportunity for all applicants. The Scottish Government will always consider disability-related reasonable adjustments that an applicant might request to enable them to demonstrate their merit and participate fully in the selection process. Appointed on merit; committed to diversity and equality.